The artwork “Look Away (No Peeking)” by Norman Rockwell, created in 1929, is an exquisite example of genre painting that aligns with the Regionalism art movement. Rockwell, known for his keen observation of American life and ability to portray it with both warmth and humor, presents a visual narrative teeming with details that evoke a connection to the era and environment it represents.
The painting depicts a young girl in motion, who appears to be quite determined and perhaps a bit flustered. Her clothing suggests a period typical of the early 20th century with a patterned dress covered by a white apron and an old-fashioned bonnet upon her head. She is clutching a hand to her face, covering her eyes; this gesture, along with the title, implies that she is making an effort not to look at something. She also carries a woven basket that seems to be used for collecting or carrying goods, indicative of a chore or task she might be involved in.
Behind the girl, there appears to be a wooden fence, adorned with an old, faded sign that reads “NO SWIMMING”. This sign, coupled with the girl’s behavior, evokes a narrative where she might be steadfastly adhering to the rules or instructions given to her, maybe resisting the temptation to join unseen peers in a forbidden swim. The presence of a tattered clothing item and what might be a stray dog lying on the ground further enrich the narrative, adding elements of daily life and the rural setting typical of Rockwell’s oeuvre. This artwork, with its vivid character depiction and cultural references, exquisitely embodies the spirit of Regionalism by capturing and celebrating a slice of small-town American life.
